Three options for abortion reform

The Law Commission has proposed three options for future abortion law. They are:

• Under Model A there would be no statutory test that must be satisfied before an abortion could be performed. The decision whether to have an abortion would be made by the woman concerned in consultation with her health practitioner.
• Under Model B there would be a statutory test. The health practitioner who intends to perform an abortion would need to be satisfied that the abortion is appropriate in the circumstances, having regard to the woman’s physical and mental health and wellbeing.
• Under Model C, there would be no statutory test until 22 weeks of a pregnancy. After 22 weeks, the health practitioner who intends to perform an abortion would need to be satisfied that the abortion is appropriate in the circumstances, having regard to the woman’s physical and mental health and wellbeing.

Model B looks pretty close to the status quo, except you don’t need to go to two doctors.

Model C looks preferable, at this stage to me. Effectively it gives a pregnant woman a right to have an abortion up to 22 weeks, but after 22 weeks (when a birth may be viable) it restricts abortion.  Having an abortion at say 35 weeks should only occur, in my opinion, when there is danger to the mother or fetus.